Lock and key system for fragrance heaters

ABSTRACT

A fragrance diffuser system includes a fragrance cartridge and a plug-in module. The fragrance cartridge carrying a particular fragrance, the particular fragrance having an optimum diffusion temperature associated therewith. The fragrance cartridge further includes a fragrance heater configured for heating the particular fragrance at the optimum diffusion temperature. A portion of the fragrance cartridge defines a first key member. The plug-in module includes a cartridge receiver therein and has at least a first plug electrode and a second plug electrode associated therewith. The cartridge receiver is configured for receiving the fragrance cartridge therein, and the first plug electrode and the second plug electrode are configured for providing an optimum electrical power supply to the fragrance heater. The optimum electrical power supply is based upon an amount of power needed by the fragrance heater to heat the particular fragrance to the optimum diffusion temperature. A portion of the plug-in module defines a first lock member, the first lock member mating with the first key member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to fragrance diffuser systems, and, more particularly, to fragrance diffuser systems using resistive thick films to heat the fragrance carried thereby.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] An electrically heated chemical delivery system (e.g., a fragrance diffuser system) which is connectable with an electrical receptacle is known. For example, it is known to provide a housing which directly carries a pair of terminals which extend therefrom and may be plugged into a conventional 115 volt electrical receptacle. Electrical terminals are overmolded directly within the housing, and are hard wired using insulated wire and solder connections with an electrical heater disposed within the body. A heat actuated chemical pouch disposed within the body releases an aromatic gas into the ambient environment.

[0005] A more recent modification in this type of system has been to form or attach a resistive thick film (e.g., a polymer thick film) heater upon a backing or substrate portion of the heat actuated chemical pouch. The provision of a heater in such close proximity to the chemical pouch permits a more direct and potentially more efficient heating of the chemical pouch.

[0006] However, current systems do not account for the fact that the optimum diffusion temperature can vary between different varieties of fragrances. Current systems are typically set to heat to an average temperature of about 70° C. As such, the current “one size fits all” approach does not necessarily result in the optimum diffusion of all types of fragrances, especially those having an optimum diffusion temperature that is much above or below 70° C.

[0007] What is needed in the art is a range of fragrance diffuser systems, each having elements that are ensured to match so as operate at a wattage (i.e., temperature) that most effectively diffuses a particular fragrance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides a fragrance diffuser system that provides for a lock and key system for appropriately matching a fragrance cartridge having a particular polymer thick film heater thereon with a plug-in module configured for supplying an optimum electrical power supply to the polymer thick film heater on the fragrance cartridge.

[0009] The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a fragrance diffuser system that has a fragrance cartridge and a plug-in module. The fragrance cartridge carrying a particular fragrance, the particular fragrance having an optimum diffusion temperature associated therewith. The fragrance cartridge further includes a fragrance heater configured for heating the particular fragrance at the optimum diffusion temperature. A portion of the fragrance cartridge defines a first key member. The plug-in module includes a cartridge receiver therein and has at least a first plug electrode and a second plug electrode associated therewith. The cartridge receiver is configured for receiving the fragrance cartridge therein, and the first plug electrode and the second plug electrode are configured for providing an optimum electrical power supply to the fragrance heater. The optimum electrical power supply is based upon an amount of power needed by the fragrance heater to heat the particular fragrance to the optimum diffusion temperature. A portion of the plug-in module defines a first lock member, the first lock member mating with the first key member.

[0010] An advantage of the present invention is that elements that are of the proper wattage can be matched in order to most effectively diffuse a particular fragrance (i.e., some fragrances are better released if heated to a temperature of other than an average heater temperature of 70° C.).

[0011] Another advantage is that the lock and key system of the present invention inhibits competitors with other type heaters from operatively inserting their fragrance cartridges into plug-in units of the present invention, thereby discouraging use of “knock-off” fragrance packets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective, partial cut-away view of an embodiment of an air freshener of the present invention; and

[0014]FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

[0015] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates at least one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown an air freshener 10 which generally includes a fragrance cartridge 12 and a plug-in module 14.

[0017] Fragrance cartridge 12 includes a fragrance container 16, cartridge substrate 18, resistive thick film heater 20, first heater electrode 22 and second heater electrode 24.

[0018] Fragrance container 16 includes a fragrance material (not labeled) therein having a particular optimum diffusion temperature associated therewith. A typical diffusion temperature is about 70° C., but it is not uncommon for particular fragrances to have an optimum diffusion temperature that is much above or below this temperature. Thus, it is desirable to have a plurality of air fresheners 10, each air freshener 10 being heatable to a temperature optimum for the diffusion of the fragrance in fragrance container 16. The fragrance material employed is usually in a gel or liquid form, depending on the specific application.

[0019] Cartridge substrate 18 acts as a backing for fragrance container 16. Additionally, cartridge substrate 18 is able to carry resistive thick film heater 20 thereon. To permit effective heating of the fragrance inside fragrance container 16, cartridge substrate 18 must be a sufficient conductor of heat.

[0020] Resistive thick film heater 20, one of formed on, attached to or otherwise held in position against cartridge substrate 18, is advantageously configured for heating the fragrance in fragrance container 16 to the optimum diffusion temperature thereof. By heating to the optimum diffusion temperature, the fragrance release (e.g., consistency over time, maximum effective use time for a given fragrance cartridge 12, effective matching of produced fragrance with that expected) can be maximized. Resistive thick film heater 20 is advantageously formed of a resistive polymer material, as such material can be readily formed into relatively small yet effective heater components, but could, instead, be composed of a cerment thick film, an etched foil or another appropriate low-profile heating element. The resultant temperature of the fragrance material can be affected, for example, by adjusting the contact area between resistive thick film heater 20 and cartridge substrate 18 and/or the individual thermal conductances thereof to vary the amount of heat conducted therebetween; and/or by adjusting the resistivity and/or the geometry of resistive thick film heater 20 to adjust the amount of heat generated thereby. Alternatively and not illustrated, resistive thick film heater 20 could be embedded within the fragrance material (i.e., a gel) in fragrance container 16, thereby promoting even, inside-out heating of the fragrance material.

[0021] Connected to and extending from resistive thick film heater 20 is at least first heater electrode 22 and second heater electrode 24. First heater electrode 22 and second heater electrode 24 provide an avenue for creating an electrical connection between resistive thick film heater 20 and plug-in module 14. The current supplied via first heater electrode 22 and second heater electrode 24 to resistive thick film heater 20, and thus the amount of heat that can be generated thereby, can be affected, e.g., by the cross-sectional area and/or material chosen for each of first heater electrode 22 and second heater electrode 24 and by any special electrical features provided, such as a current-limiting resistor (not shown), capable of influencing current flow.

[0022] Plug-in module 14 has an outlet plug 26 molded therein and includes a cartridge receiver 28 into which fragrance cartridge 12 can be operatively received.

[0023] Outlet plug 26 is configured for electrically connecting plug-in module 14 with a standard electrical wall outlet (not shown). Specifically, outlet plug 26 includes a first plug electrode 30 and a second plug electrode 32, each extending into cartridge receiver 28 for electrical connection with first heater electrode 22 and second heater electrode 24, respectively. In a manner similar to that of first and second heater electrodes 22, 24, the current supplied via first plug electrode 30 and second plug electrode 32 can be affected, e.g., by the cross-sectional area and/or material chosen for each of first plug electrode 30 and second plug electrode 32 and by any special electrical features provided, such as a current-limiting resistor (not shown), capable of influencing current flow.

[0024] Fragrance cartridge 12 and plug-in module 14 are configured, in the embodiment shown, to provide both for electrical keying and mechanical keying therebetween. First of all, fragrance container 16 is formed so as to have a cartridge key notch 34 associated therewith, and cartridge receiver 28 has a mating plug-in lock notch 36. Note that the presence of plug-in lock notch 36 would prevent an otherwise standard or typical shaped fragrance container from being fully inserted into cartridge receiver 28. It is to be understood, however, that other embodiments could employ other similar combinations of electrical and/or mechanical keying (e.g., use electrical keying only) and remain within the scope of this invention.

[0025] A second lock-and- key arrangement between fragrance cartridge 12 and plug-in module 14 is both electrical and mechanical in nature. With respect to fragrance cartridge 12, second heater electrode 24 is longer than first heater electrode 22. As to plug-in module 14, cartridge receiver 28 includes a plug-in lock slot 38 capable of receiving second heater electrode 24 therein, thereby establishing the mechanical nature of the second lock-and- key arrangement. Furthermore, first plug electrode is shaped and positioned so as to be able to contact shorter first heater electrode 22 within cartridge receiver 28, while second plug electrode 32 is positioned and extends so as to contact longer second heater electrode 22 within plug-in lock slot 38 of cartridge receiver 28. As such, a fragrance cartridge having equally extending heater electrodes would not make a complete electrical circuit with outlet plug 26, effectively making the second lock-and-key arrangement electrical in nature as well.

[0026] Various embodiments of lock-and-key arrangements are also envisioned. For example, mating features could be a slot/extension combination (i.e., plug-in lock slot 38/second heater electrode 24) or a pair of opposingly-formed notches (i.e., plug-in lock notch 36/cartridge key notch 34). For example, while not necessarily shown, the sizes and/or shapes of each of fragrance container 16, cartridge substrate 18, resistive thick film heater 20, first heater electrode 22 and second heater electrode 24 could potentially be varied so as to effectively act as a key member. Likewise, the size and/or shape of cartridge receiver 28 and the size, shape and/or placement of first and second plug electrodes 30, 32 may serve as a lock feature. As a further option (not illustrated), fragrance cartridge 12 could have a sensible target (e.g., a small round metal target) located at specific location thereupon that would act as an electrical key, requiring an appropriately positioned sensor with corresponding plug-in module 14 to achieve activation thereof. Additionally, the combination of resistive thick film heater 20, first heater electrode 22 and second heater electrode 24, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, may be packaged either as part of plug-in module 14 or fragrance cartridge 12 or instead could form an additional component separate from either of plug-in module 14 or fragrance cartridge 12.

[0027] While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be firther modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A fragrance diffuser system, comprising: a fragrance cartridge including: a fragrance container having a particular fragrance therein, said particular fragrance having an optimum diffusion temperature associated therewith; and a cartridge substrate carrying said fragrance container, said cartridge substrate having a first substrate side and a second substrate side, said fragrance container being mounted to said first substrate side; a resistive thick film heater one of formed on and attached to said second substrate side, said resistive thick film heater being configured for heating said particular fragrance at said optimum diffusion temperature; and a plurality of heater electrodes operatively connected to said resistive thick film heater, said plurality of heater electrodes including a first heater electrode and a second heater electrode, at least one of said fragrance container, said cartridge substrate, said resistive thick film heater and one said heater electrode being configured so as to define a first key member; and a plug-in module including a cartridge receiver therein and having at least a first plug electrode and a second plug electrode associated therewith, said cartridge receiver configured for receiving said fragrance cartridge therein, said first plug electrode and said second plug electrode configured for contacting said first heater electrode and said second heater electrode, respectively, and further configured for providing an optimum electrical power supply to said resistive thick film heater thereof, said optimum electrical power supply being based upon an amount of power needed by said resistive thick film heater to heat said particular fragrance to said optimum diffusion temperature, one of said cartridge receiver, said first plug electrode and said second plug electrode being configured so as to define a first lock member, said first lock member mating with said first key member.
 2. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 1, wherein said first key member and said first lock member constitute a first set of mating mechanical features.
 3. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 2, wherein said mating mechanical features are one of a slot and extension pair and a notch pair.
 4. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 2, wherein said mating mechanical features are configured such that an interlocking therebetween is required to enable at least one of substantially complete insertion of said fragrance cartridge into said plug-in module and creation of an electrical interconnection between said resistive thick film heater and said plug-in module.
 5. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 1, wherein said first key member and said first lock member constitute a first set of mating electrical features.
 6. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 5, wherein said mating electrical features are particularly located circuit portions requiring electrical contact therebetween to establish an electrical connection between said resistive thick film heater and said plug-in module.
 7. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 1, further comprising a second key member associated with said fragrance cartridge and a second lock member associated with said plug-in module, said second key member mating with said second lock member.
 8. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 7, wherein said first key member and said first lock member mate at least one of electrically and mechanically, said second key member and said second lock member mating a second set of mating at least one of electrically and mechanically.
 9. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 2, wherein said resistive thick film heater is a polymer thick film heater.
 10. A fragrance diffuser system, comprising: a fragrance cartridge carrying a particular fragrance, said particular fragrance having an optimum diffusion temperature associated therewith, said fragrance cartridge further including, a portion of said fragrance cartridge defining a first key member; a fragrance heater configured for heating said particular fragrance at said optimum diffusion temperature; and a plug-in module including a cartridge receiver therein and having at least a first plug electrode and a second plug electrode associated therewith, said cartridge receiver configured for receiving said fragrance cartridge, said fragrance heater being operatively associated with one of said fragrance cartridge and said plug-in module, said first plug electrode and said second plug electrode configured for providing an optimum electrical power supply to said fragrance heater, said optimum electrical power supply being based upon an amount of power needed by said fragrance heater to heat said particular fragrance to said optimum diffusion temperature, a portion of said plug-in module defining a first lock member, said first lock member mating with said first key member.
 11. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 10, wherein one of said cartridge receiver, said first plug electrode and said second plug electrode are configured so as to define said first lock member.
 12. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 10, wherein said first key member and said first lock member mate at least one of mechanically and electrically.
 13. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 10, wherein said first lock member mating and said first key member are configured such that an interlocking therebetween is required to enable at least one of substantially complete insertion of said fragrance cartridge into said plug-in module and creation of an electrical interconnection between said fragrance heater and said plug-in module.
 14. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 13, wherein said interlocking is required to enable creation of an electrical interconnection between said fragrance heater and said plug-in module.
 15. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 10, wherein said fragrance heater is one of separate from and integral with said fragrance cartridge.
 16. A fragrance cartridge, said fragrance cartridge being configured for insertion into a particular plug-in module and electrical connection therewith, the particular plug-in module having at least a first lock member associated therewith, said fragrance cartridge comprising: a fragrance container having a particular fragrance therein, said particular fragrance having an optimum diffusion temperature associated therewith; and a cartridge substrate carrying said fragrance container, said cartridge substrate having a first substrate side and a second substrate side, said fragrance container being mounted to said first substrate side; a resistive thick film heater one of formed on and attached to said second substrate side, said resistive thick film heater being configured for heating said particular fragrance at said optimum diffusion temperature; and a plurality of heater electrodes operatively connected to said resistive thick film heater, said plurality of heater electrodes including a first heater electrode and a second heater electrode, at least one of said fragrance container, said cartridge substrate, said resistive thick film heater and one said heater electrode being configured so as to define a first key member, said first key member being configured for mating with the first lock member of the particular plug-in module.
 17. The fragrance cartridge of claim 16, wherein said first key member is one of a mechanical key and an electrical key.
 18. The fragrance cartridge of claim 16, wherein said resistive thick film heater is a polymer thick film heater.
 19. A fragrance diffuser system, comprising: a fragrance cartridge carrying a particular fragrance, said fragrance cartridge having one of a lock and a key; a plug-in module including a cartridge receiver therein, said fragrance cartridge being positioned within said cartridge receiver, said plug-in module having an other of said lock and said key; and a fragrance heater configured for heating said particular fragrance, said fragrance heater being operatively associated with one of said fragrance cartridge and said plug-in module, activation of said fragrance heater being dependent upon an interfacing of said lock and said key. 